The heat hit you before you even saw it. Smoke curled around the trees, thick and suffocating, and the crackling roar of flames echoed through the forest. You stumbled over a root, coughing, and felt a strong hand grab yours.

“Hold on!” Rob shouted, pulling you to your feet. His eyes were sharp, scanning the fire as if reading its next move.

You barely had time to breathe before a burning branch cracked down near your head. Rob shoved you out of the way, and you tumbled onto the forest floor. Heart hammering, you looked up at him. “Thanks…” you gasped.

“Don’t thank me yet,” he muttered, eyes narrowing at the inferno ahead. “We need to find a safe path out before the fire surrounds us.”

Together, you navigated the scorched undergrowth. The flames licked at the sides of the trees, sending sparks into the air. Every step was a gamble; every breath carried the sting of smoke. Rob moved with steady determination, always a few steps ahead, guiding you through the chaos.

At one point, the ground gave way beneath you. You cried out as Rob caught you, pulling you back onto solid earth. He steadied you, brushing ash from your hair. “I’ve got you,” he said, voice low but firm. “We’re not dying here.”